Things to see and do in the park at Fell Foot

A man walking a dog at Fell Foot Park in Cumbria — Fell Foot is a great place for dog walking with plenty of space to roam | © National Trust Images / Shaun Barr

Take a leisurely walk around the park and meadows. There's plenty of things to do at Fell Foot. Enjoy the views and get outdoors in the fresh air.

Plan your visit

Fell Foot Park is open 9am – 8pm daily.
The Boathouse Café is open 9.30am – 5pm daily.
Parking is free for National Trust members. Car parking charges for non-members (£6 for up to 2 hours, £7.50 for up to 4 hours, £9 all day). Pay by cash at ticket machine. Card payments for parking can be taken by a member of the welcome team.
Booking is not required.
Picnic tables and benches can be found outside the café. Barbeques are not permitted at Fell Foot.
Fell Foot is ideal for paddling and boating. Take a look at the Water sports page for information on equipment hire, launching your own equipment and guided activities.
Active base is a modern facility with showers, lockers and underfloor heating. Day passes are available from just £2 and can be bought from the café.

Flower meadow and native wildlife

Keep an eye out for the insects visiting the native flower meadow, which is a great food source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Look out for swans, otters and birds like redwings and fieldfares.

Picnics

With large grassy lawns leading down to the lakeshore and views across Windermere it makes a great picnic spot. Why not pack up your favourite foods, bring a blanket and spread it out on the grass or use on of the many picnic tables? If you run out of food or drink, pop into one of our Boathouse café to top up – there are also many different flavours of ice creams to tempt you at the parlour next door.

Walking at Fell Foot

If you enjoy a gentle stroll then Fell Foot is the place for you. Enjoy the feeling of open green space, fresh air and closeness to the lake.

There are two recommended walks, but feel free to explore off the beaten track. Try the easy loop down to the lakeshore or venture further afield to the meadow. Download a map here or pick up a leaflet with a map from one of our welcome huts at Fell Foot when you visit.

Lakeside

Our most accessible route is the Lakeside Walk highlighted in orange on our visitor map. It's a short circular walk 875 yards (0.8km) along the shoreline offering far-reaching views north, with plenty of photographic opportunities, especially of the Fairfield Horseshoe. You can borrow an all-terrain wheelchair to make it easier to get around the park.

Meadow Walk

This tranquil 1.6mile (2.5km) route takes you around the whole park to the tip of the lake where it turns into the River Leven. The walk is a little more strenuous and takes you to the wildflower meadow, past reedbeds and takes in the heritage buildings in the park. You'll be rewarded with some great views and the chance to spot some rare wildlife such as water rails which are a smaller relative of moorhens and coot water fowl.

Download the Fell Foot circular heritage trail route.

Parkrun during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival at Fell Foot, Cumbria — A parkrun at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Limber up for a parkrun

Every Saturday morning, Fell Foot hosts a popular 5km parkrun. Organised by a group of dedicated volunteers, all abilities are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the challenge while taking in the scenery at Fell Foot.

This activity is free, but parking charges still apply to non-National Trust members. Please register your interest first on the parkrun website.